Abstract
The larval critical weight (Lcw) in the spotted stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) was 54.6 ± 1.0 mg for average sized male and female final instar larvae and was 63 and 39% of the larval maximum weight (Lmw) of males and females, respectively. There was a consistent decrease in weight from Lmw to pupal weight of 35 % in both males and females over successive generations of rearing two laboratory populations. The adult weight was consistently about 37 and 22% lower than the pupal weight for males and females, respectively. During starvation, 25% of the final instar larvae produced a supernumerary moult. A positive correlation was derived between female pupal weight and fecundity. The results were similar to those derived from a study on the progeny of a wild population. A model representing the various fresh weight changes in relation to the Lmw has been suggested for this species. The model is similar to that proposed for other Lepidoptera. The results of this study are largely consistent with those carried out on other species of Lepidoptera and underline the value of using stable standards in assessing the quality of laboratory reared insects.
Résumé
Le poids critique de la larve (Lcw) chez Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptere: Pyralidae) a ete de 54 ± 1.0 mg pour des larves de dernier stade males et femelles de tailles moyennes, alors que le poids maximal de larve (Lmw) a été de 63 et 39% pour les males et les femelles respectivement. Il y eu une baisse considérable de poids de 35% du Lmw au poids de la pupe aussi bien chez les males que chez les femelles pendant des générations successives de deux populations élévees au laboratoire. Le poids des adults a ete constamment de 37 et 22% en dessous du poids de la pupe pour les males et les femelles respectivement. Durant les périodes de jeûn, 25 % des larves du dernier stade ont eu une mue suplementaire. Il y a eu correlation positive entre le poids de la pupe female et sa fécondite. Les résultats ont été comparables a ceux obtenus pendant l’étude sur la progéniture d’une population naturelle. Un model représentant les différents changements en poids frais en relation avec le Lmw a été suggéré pour cette espèce. Ce model est semblable a celui proposé pour d’autres especes de lépidoptere. Les resultats de cette etude concorde bien avec ceux des travaux effectués sur d’autres espèces de lepidoptère et souligne l’importance de la standardisation des méthodes d ’evaluation de la qualite des insectes elévés en laboratoire.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ampofo J. K. O. (1988) Some observations on Chilo partellus (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) developmental biology under field and laboratory conditions. Insect Sci. Applic. 9, 271–274.
Bartlett A. C. (1984) Genetic changes during insect domestication. In Advances and Challenges in Insect Rearing (Edited by King E. G. and Leppla N. C.) pp. 2–8. Agricultural Research Service, USDA ARS Publishers.
Dickel M., Marijke de Jong, Alers M. P. T., Stelder F. C. T., Wunderink R. and Post J. (1989) Quality control of mass-reared arthropods: Nutritional effects on performance of predatory mites. J. Appl. Entomol. 108, 462–470.
Jones D., Jones G. and Hammock B. D. (1981) Growth parameters associated with endocrine events in larval Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) and timing of these events with developmental markers. J. Insect Physiol. 27, 779–788.
van Lenteren J. C. (1986) Parasitoids in the greenhouse: success with inoculative release systems. In Insect Parasitoids (Edited by Waage J. and Greathead D.), pp. 341–374, Academic Press, London.
Leppla N. C. and Fisher W. R. (1989) Total quality control in insect mass production for insect pest management. J. Appl. Ent. 108, 452–461.
Mathez F. C. (1972) Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), Chilo orichalcociliella Strand (Lep., Crambidae) and Sesamia calamistis Hmps. (Lep., Noctuidae) on maize in the Coast Province, Kenya. Mitt. Schweiz. Entomol. Ges. 45, 267–289.
Moore R. F., Odell T. M. and Calkins C. O. (1985) Quality assessment in laboratory-reared insects. In Handbook of Insect Rearing (Edited by Singh P. and Moore R. F.) (eds.), Vol. I. pp. 107–135. Elsevier Science Publishers, Amsterdam.
Nijhout H. F. (1975) A threshold size for metamorphosis in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.). Biol. Bull. 149, 214–225.
Nijhout H. F. (1979) Stretch-induced moulting in Oncopeltus fasciatus. J. Insect Physiol. 25, 277–281.
Nijhout H.F.(1981) Physiological control of moulting in insects. Am. Zool. 21, 631–640.
Nijhout H. F. and Williams C. M. (1974a) Control of moulting and metamorphosis in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.): growth of the last instar larva and the decision to pupate. J. Exp. Biol. 61, 481–491.
Nijhout H. F. and Williams C. M. (1974b) Control of moulting and metamorphosis in the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta (L.): Cessation of pupation. J. Exp. Biol. 61, 493–501.
Ochieng’ R. S., Onyango F. O. and Bungu M. D. O. (1985) Improvement of techniques for mass culture of Chilo partellus (Swinhoe). Insect Sci. Applic. 4, 407–413.
Ochieng’-Odero J. P. (1989) Aspects of the life cycle, biological performance and quality of the black lyre leafroller Cnephasia jactatana (Walker). Ph.D. Thesis, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Ochieng’-Odero J. P. R. (1990a) Critical, pupal and adult weight in the size related metamorphosis of the black lyre leafroller Cnephasia jactatana. Entomol. exp. appl. 54, 21–27.
Ochieng’-Odero J. P. R. (1990b) New strategies for quality assessment and control of insects produced in artificial rearing systems. Insect Sci. Applic. 11, 133–141.
Saxena K. N. (1990) Mechanisms of resistance/susceptibility of certain sorghum cultivars to the stem borer Chilo partellus: role of behaviour and development. Entomol. exp. appl. 55, 91–99.
Slansky F. Jr. and Scriber J. M. (1985) Food consumption and utilisation. In Comprehensive Insect Biochemistry and Pharmacology (Edited by Kerkut G. A. and Gilbert L. I.), Vol. IV, Regulation: Digestion, Nutrition, Excretion, pp. 87–163, Pergamon Press.
Waladde, S. M., Ochieng’ S. A. and Kahoro H. M. (1990) Responses of Chilo partellus larvae to host plant materials: Behaviour and electrophysiological bioassay. Insect Sci. Applic. 11, 79–89.
Williams C. M. (1975) Juvenile hormone… in retrospect and in prospect. In The Juvenile Hormones (Edited by Gilbert L. I.) pp. 1–14. Plenum, New York.
Woodring J. P. (1983) Control of moulting in the house cricket, Acheta domesticus. J. Insect Physiol. 29; 461–464.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ochieng’-Odero, J.P.R., Mzingirwa, A.M., Njoroge, P.E.W. et al. Larval Critical Weight, Pupation and Adult Fecundity in the Spotted Stem Borer, Chilo partellus Swinhoe (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae): An Index of Quality. Int J Trop Insect Sci 15, 123–127 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400015344
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1742758400015344